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29 Feb 2016

This sweater is fun, flirty and everything in between! I am gaga for the ruffle details and love their unique placement on the sweater. I never would have thought of this particular design, but I think it's brilliant! The detailing of the knit is perfect: not too chunky and visible, yet not too subtle. The colour is marvelous in its own right. I am a fan of those unexpected, in-between-colour colours. Chartreuse is one of thos unique hues that makes me smile. I know some shades can be difficult to pull off with different skin tones. Since I happen to know I wear shades of yellow well, I did not hesitate to scoop up this sweater. Between the boldness of the colour and styling, this sweater is a steal-the-show statement piece! I am thrilled to have added this unique number to my closet!Pants: Banana Republic | Sweater:Banana Republic | Belt: Smart Set | Necklace: Victoire | Earrings: RW&CO | Coat: Via Spiga | Scarf: Zara | Mittens: Saarich's Source for Sports | Booties: Blondo

28 Feb 2016

Sunday means it's weekend uniform time! Distressed jeans, a slouchy sweater and socks are all I need to get my hermit on! Today, I curled up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea. All I seem to want to do in the winter months is hibernate, so my weekends are usually spend at home, in cozy layers taking time for myself. It compensates for the busy go-go-go summer weekends. I get that I have to make the most of the nice weather, because it never lasts as long as I hope it will. On the flipside, my cozy winter weekends are just as precious. Life is all about balance!

27 Feb 2016

For me, going out is an occasion to get dressed up! I'd been waiting for a good occasion on which to wear this trapeze dress and figured a dinner with friends would be good enough. This simple chiffon layered dress is a bit formal, but I decided to wear a wrap-around cardigan to dress it down. In the pictures, the pink under-layer is a lot more visible than it is to the naked eye. The camera flash really makes it obvious! The blush cardigan subtly picked up on the blush pink layer of the dress. I added my statement waist belt instead of a statement necklace to really accent the waist. I also added an element of fun with the polka dot tights and knee-high black socks with booties. Try dressing down your formal gowns to get more wear out of them!

26 Feb 2016

I just realized how similar this look is to the one featured yesterday... Oh well, here is another example of layering a sweater over a shirt. Today's look is overall more relaxed and casual. I chose a tone-on-tone polka-dot print blouse and paired it with a graphic sweater. I stuck to the monochrome pallet today as I wanted the "très chic" message to be the focal point. The white lettering is well framed by the visible white bits of shirt. I could not resist wearing my hair in pig-tail braids to give the look a touch of preppiness! This is a quintessential casual-Friday look!

25 Feb 2016

A plaid shirt is a must have in any wardrobe, its versatility is never ending! In today's look, I gave it a glam touch. Wearing a black knit (or any other solid-coloured knit) over the shirt, letting only a bits of colour peek through, is a nice way of toning down the loud print. Adding pearls or a statement necklace amps the glam factor up a notch. Not to make it too formal, I paired the tops with dark-wash skinny jeans and simple black booties. Keeping the bottom of the outfit in darker colours keeps the focus on the interesting elements of the look, all while keeping it streamlined. This is a great trick to have up one's sleeve in case one needs to make a casual outfit glamorous in a flash!

24 Feb 2016

Reversible prints are the bomb-diggity! This little top has the matching reversible skirt (seen here and here). I decided to cuff the sleeves to be able to get the full contrast effect of the print. I also chose my fishnet tights because I found the grid pattern mimicked the pattern of the lines on the shirt. It was a subtle echo that added interest to the outfit. I finished off the look by belting my black midi with a chartreuse belt. No black and white outfit is complete without a pop of colour!

23 Feb 2016

You can't go wrong with a traditional black and white polka dot print. This simple A-line dress really lets the print pop! Since it's a sleeveless dress, I thought of layering it with my ruffle collar top. When I tried the two together, it was a perfect match! I like it when my visions come to life! I then proceeded to add my mini polka dot waist belt and loved the contrast of macro and micro dots! To finish off the look, I chose bold teal tights. Today's outfit felt a bit like something a kid's show host would wear... I let my inner child be my stylist for the day. I love the whimsy and fun-factor of this look! It's ok to get carried away at times, enjoy those kooky moments!

22 Feb 2016

So, just as I thought winter was slowly coming to an end, we get hit with a massive blizzard. It only snowed 51.2 cm in 16 hours... I find it ironic that I had chosen to wear this floral blazer on blizzard day. I guess Mother Nature is not yet ready for blooms. Message received loud and clear! I'm just happy I chose to wear tall boots, as I needed them to treck my way down the unplowed streets. I also did my fair share of shoveling for the year: trying to keep up was an uphill battle! Let's just say I'll think twice before wearing floral print any time soon, in the hopes of avoiding another temperature meltdown! Beware of blooms in February!

21 Feb 2016

Me and my knits are tight during the cold season. They have my back and keep me warm! How cute is this fringe detail on the hem? It's so fun and adds movement to the sweater. There is also a small touch I absolutely adore about this sweater. The hem is slightly shorter in the back, landing right above my bottom. It perfectly frames my booty without accentuating it too much. I love when a garment shows off my assets in a flattering way! I paired my beige sweater with black skinny jeans and black and white socks. I like to keep my little piggies warm and socks are more comfortable then slippers, in my opinion. Just another weekend-uniform!Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | Sweater:Banana Republic | Socks: Old Navy | Earrings: Smart Set

20 Feb 2016

I got a lot done on the long-weekend, and I also did a lot of nothing! I decided to have a duvet-day and spent the entire day on the couch, catching up on my shows. I decided to get dressed, for the simple reason I had smeared Nutella on my PJ's... I grabbed a strapless striped dress, threw on a draped cardigan and pulled on some knee-high socks. Even though it's mid-winter, I opted for sock instead of tights because I simply could not be bothered with them today! Besides, the socks almost met the hem of the dress, so as far as I'm concerned, my legs were covered. It's not like I was braving the frigid outdoor temperatures. It was the perfect cozy outfit to wear while curled up with the puppies, binge-watching T.V. This loose cotton dress was very comfortable and not constricting. It allowed me to slouch in total comfort! The plus side is that it looked a bit more put-together than PJ's, so should I get a visitor, I was at least presentable.

19 Feb 2016

I recently got to spend time with my niece: what a treat! I also happened to have dinner plans on the same day. How to pick a look that works for both engagement? I opted for my black skinny overalls because they are both kid-friendly and classy. I added a tribal-print knit overpiece to add an element of fun. I then completed the look with a beige t-shirt and beige socks. At the last minute, I dug out my scarf headband to tame my big hair and tied it in a bow on top of my head. I figured, why not go all out? I was going for a classy look with childhood inspired touches! I am quite the package after all! X D

18 Feb 2016

Throwing it back to spring today! I love the new blooms and freshness in the air that springtime brings. However, I am not the biggest fan of April showers... Since I have no say on the weather, I just deal with it. A great tip to deal with the drabness of endless downpours is to invest is a cheery pair of rain boots! As you can see, mine are hot pink! They also happen to match my umbrella! (That is not a mistake.) I clearly was a bit down when getting dressed (I hardly ever wear all black), but putting on my Barbie-boots and adding a hot pink scarf lifted my spirit! Never underestimate the power of a pop of colour! It can be your sunshine on a rainy day!

17 Feb 2016

Coated denim is awesome! I love that it gives your denim an edge and adds interest to an often overlooked wardrobe staple. I kept the look simple by wearing my light pink cable-knit sweater. (This particular sweater has been on repeat this season!) I did however add a touch of glamour with the chandelier earrings. They pick up on the sheen in the pants just enough to elevate the look a notch above casual!

Now, a word about the outside look. So, we are being hit by the polar vortex again this year... albeit for only a week instead of a month. Let me tell you that at -40 degrees, you bundle up, whether it's fashionable or not! I actually dug out my knitted hood for the first time this season: today, I mean business! I am also wearing a scarf and a headband underneath the hood! I've gotten a lot of wear out of this piece in recent years. It was a Christmas gift in 2011 and I remember it was called the Hickey Hider. I found it a funny name, but if hickey-hiding was your goal, this hood would definitely work, although if you ask me, it would be a tad overkill...

16 Feb 2016

More pink! I apologize if this pink obsession is getting out of hand. I promise I'll tone it down very shortly! I decided to mix things up a bit with today's look by pairing my pink skirt with a black ruffle top, a turquoise bubble necklace, a gold belt and polka dot tights. The gold belt picks up on the gold metallic of the necklace, while the necklace bubbles mimic the polka dots of the tights. This busy outfit had a bit of everything: fun accessories, feminine frills, whimsical touches and pops of colour! I sometimes get carried away, but it makes up for the days on which I feel less inspired. If inspiration hits, you must strike while the iron is hot!

15 Feb 2016

The shimmer jeans make a comeback! I could not resist pairing them with my fuchsia sweater to make one flashy outfit! I'm still riding the wear-everything-pink train... I have worn more pink this week than my five-year old self did back in my Barbie-loving days! Oh well, when I'm feeling a colour, I wear it on repeat. I like a colour that pops, and this one is not letting me down! The bright shade sure is lightening up the dull winter days thought. All this colour popping and shimmering is giving me a slight disco vibe! Where's my mirror ball at?

14 Feb 2016

I love chocolate, so I have no issues with Valentine's Day! I realize it can be overrated, but I like any excuse to receive flowers, eat chocolate, wear pink & red and give mushy cards. What's not to love about this holiday? It reminds me to take a breather and realize how much love surrounds me and to appreciate every bit of it! Today, I'm also celebrating my love of peplum! I paired my hot pink peplum top with a black peplum sweater and belted them at the waist. I finished off with a black pencil skirt and booties. This outfit might have mostly been comprised of black, but the pink is so bright, it speaks for itself! I wish you all lots of love and chocolate today! <3

13 Feb 2016

I've been really feeling the red and pink in the lead up to Valentine's Day! I don't often wear the two colours together except during this time of year, when I get fully immersed in the kitschy spirit of the holiday! I decided to wear my black and white windowpane pants to complete the over-the-top look. Although it has slight circus vibe, I really like the end result. This look is outside the box and I owned it completely!

12 Feb 2016

When it comes to layering and mixing prints: I'm not a quitter! Today was the first cold day after a warmer spell. I decided to wear a knit sweater over a quilted vest. Not a usual thing to do, but I loved the result! It allowed for the print of the vest to peek out a little and frame the graphic tee, without being overwhelming. Speaking of overwhelming, I just had to add my checked windowpane scarf to the mix. It's all or nothing! Now I understand Shrek when he says he has layers, like an onion. Today's look is the perfect example of a fash-onion! :)

11 Feb 2016

More clever layering in today's post. I decided to wear a zip-up cardigan under a blazer! This gives the blazer a more casual feel than wearing it with a blouse. Pairing the tops with skinny jeans also contributes to the casual factor, while the dark wash closes the gap between casual and formal. Not too dressy, nor too sloppy: this look is just right! Try toning down the formal-ness of your blazers by pairing them with thin cardigans for casual-Fridays or dressier weekend events. You can tiptoe the line between different levels of attire, but don't be afraid to cross it either!

10 Feb 2016

This sweater's got panache! I fell in love with its quirky-ness. I love the calming nature of the baby blue and white. I also like that it's a simple heart shape, like so many other sweaters, but that the bejeweled antlers add a touch of whimsy! There is also an inside joke behind it. My hair is fine and has a tendency to curl into little ringlets around my face when it's humid out, creating a similar effect to that of antlers, and my better half likes to point out my "panache" (a French word for antlers) any chance he gets! I chose to wear my sweater over a dress to give the illusion of a skirt, but with the extra layer of warmth underneath. This is a very practical and clever trick to wear your summer dresses all year round. Add a sweater, some tights and voilà!

9 Feb 2016

Black and beige make for a great neutral combination. To add more interest to the outfit, I chose a fun polka dot print blouse in the same colour palette. Another great way of making (what could quickly become) a bland outfit is to add textures. My beige leggings have a leather finish, while the black vest is faux-fur. These textures give the look dimension that it would otherwise be lacking. I also opted for the drop-pearl earrings as they echo the spots in the blouse. I kept it very basic for the outside look and wore a black wool coat with my black winter boots and a beige scarf. This could be a great way of incorporating new trends in your look. Try finding trendy pieces or elements in colours you are comfortable wearing. If you like leather leggings, but are more comfortable wearing black: a black pair would be a great way of adding the trend to your closet without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Leggings: Dynamite (other colour) | Blouse: Jacob | Faux-Fur Vest: Dynamite | Earrings: Smart Set | Coat: Le Château | Scarf: Elisa G. | Boots: Bare Traps

8 Feb 2016

If ketchup and mustard go well together, I figure why not combine them in an outfit! I took a bit of creative liberty and chose deeper shades of the traditional duo. Mustard yellow and burgundy are both warmer than their bright counterparts. I broke things up a bit with an infusion of beige via a quilted vest (possibly inspired by the colour of a hot dog bun...). I finished off with my burgundy rubber boots as, believe it or not, it was pouring freezing rain. I dressed up as a summer carnival favourite to brave the roller-coaster weather! Jeans: Second Yoga Jeans | Shirt: Old Navy | Vest: Old Navy | Necklace: H&M | Earrings: H&M | Coat: Esprit | Scarf: Zara | Mittens: Saarich's Source for Sports | Boots: Giant Tiger

7 Feb 2016

On the first day back after our trip, I had to unpack and wash a massive pile of laundry... It was definitely back to reality for me! I instinctively reached for my weekend-uniform of leggings and a sweater. I paired my burgundy leggings with a beige asymmetrical sweater and cozy socks. I feel the hue of the sweater really pops against my newly tanned skin... in February! I guess my skin doesn't usually have such a glow when I wear this sweater. I'll enjoy it while I can!Leggings: Dynamite | Sweater: Smart Set | Camisole: Old Navy | Earrings: Aldo (gift) | Socks: Mukluk

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All product selection, styling and opinions are my own. Couture du Jour by Mimi is a member of an affiliate network which enables a click-based commission on links contained within the site and related social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest).